Can Cat® electric counterbalance forklifts match diesel and LPG trucks on strength and durability? Yes, they can. And to those capabilities they add many electric advantages.
In workplaces where tailpipe emissions are no longer legally acceptable, the switch to electric is obligatory. For some businesses, a lower carbon footprint is the aim of switching – driven by legislation, green incentives and environmental responsibility.
But many others are going electric simply to make bigger profits. Electric lift truck technology offers important practical and productivity benefits – and a lower total cost of operation. We explain why, below.
(Please note that we still offer a full range of high-quality Cat diesel and LPG forklifts. If your application requires these, please see our IC engine counterbalance collection.)
Exhaust emissions can cause respiratory illnesses and make existing health problems worse. Electric lift trucks are the answer to keeping the air in your workplace clean. What’s more, if the electricity used to charge them is generated without burning fossil fuels, they cut overall carbon emissions. That’s great news for the planet.
Efficient use of energy cuts running costs. In addition, everything we do to reduce energy use helps in lowering overall carbon emissions. Energy-saving features in Cat electric counterbalance forklifts include high-efficiency motors, fully electronic magnetic brakes and LED lights. You can also switch the trucks to an ECO operating mode.
Another choice is between lead-acid and lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Li-ion gives higher performance, efficiency and runtime.
Electric forklift trucks have fewer moving parts to maintain and routinely replace. That saves money. So does their quick and easy servicing. A fundamental characteristic of electric forklifts is their simple plug-in diagnostics and troubleshooting. Faults are spotted sooner and easily fixed.
Meanwhile, Cat truck specifications include low-maintenance choices of braking, lighting and other systems. Battery maintenance is much easier today, thanks to convenient access and exchange features. Fast opportunity charging of Li-ion batteries can keep trucks in action without battery-related downtime and changes.
With easier maintenance and fewer wearing parts, electric counterbalance forklift trucks tend to hold higher residual values. These will be enhanced as buyer demand for used electric forklifts grows.
Cat electric lift trucks are built robustly to minimise repair and part replacement needs. Ready for wet, dirty, dusty and other harsh conditions, their design includes effective sealing of key components.
The latest Cat electric motors, offering a high RPM range, give better precision in acceleration control and generate more torque at low speeds. For reliably powerful performance at every moment, even when heavily loaded, Cat has developed PowerBurst*. This feature automatically gives a burst of extra torque, if needed, to maintain ramp speed or to accelerate strongly.
Li-ion batteries give the added consistency of a more constant voltage curve compared to lead-acid. This avoids any drop-off in forklift performance towards the end of a shift.
*Standard or optional, depending on model chosen.
Sophisticated electronics and smart control are revolutionising driver satisfaction in electric counterbalance trucks. Drivers feel that Cat electric forklifts are totally in tune with them. The trucks seem to understand and instantly respond to how users want them to behave. Essential to this is the
Cat sponsive Drive System (RDS). RDS traction tuning adapts performance rapidly in reaction to the speed of pedal operation. It also smooths out all driving movements, starts and stops.
The same drivers also benefit from automatic speed-related steering ratio and force adjustment, as well as advanced curve control. These features optimise precision, turning speeds and stability. Electric differential locking* maximises grip on slippery surfaces.
*Standard or optional, depending on model chosen.
Cat RDS mast tuning adjusts constantly to the driver’s hydraulic control behaviour. It matches functionality, sensitivity and reaction speed optimally to the driver’s needs, for the best possible user experience.
The Cat SmoothFlow* load-sensing hydraulic system adds even greater perfection to load handling. It automatically adjusts for weight, to maintain precise, smooth and consistent control. SmoothFlow* continuously compensates for weight, even when two or more hydraulic functions are used simultaneously. It ensures consistency of all mast and fork movements. Additional mast stability measures include passive sway control, automatic height-related speed adjustments and robust design.
*Standard or optional, depending on model chosen.
The scope for performance mode programming for different drivers and tasks is greater in electric forklift trucks. One simple choice on Cat electric forklifts is between pre-set ECO and PRO modes.
Alternatively, customised settings for various parameters, including lifting, lowering and travel speeds, can be applied by service engineers.
Precise control of lift truck functions is essential to safe operation. This is enabled by the Cat systems and features summarised in sections 6, 7 and 8 above.
In addition, Cat forklift trucks come with supplementary safety features. Presence Detection System+ (PDS+) is a good example.
PDS+ includes an automatic parking brake, hill hold, and prevention of travel and hydraulic movement if the operator is not seated. A variety of safety lights can be added to the trucks as options.
Manoeuvring in Cat electric forklift trucks is exceptionally smooth and agile, thanks to their dual drive 4-wheel steering. The +100⁰ rear turning axle even enables instant side turns, with no need for initial backward movement.
A time-saving option on Cat 3-wheel electric counterbalance forklifts is 360⁰ steering. It allows the truck to turn and move in the opposite direction, in one smooth manoeuvre, without stopping. By reducing G-forces acting on the load, it enables higher safe turning speeds.
For drivers switching from IC engine to electric counterbalance trucks, one obvious difference is the electrics’ quiet, smooth, low-vibration performance.
Annoying noise and vibration at work can leave employees feeling tired, stressed and sick. Cat electric lift trucks give extra comfort through quiet drive units and other low-noise technologies. These include market-leading SilentRun+* hydraulic pumps.
*Standard or optional, depending on model chosen.
Once you have invested in an electric counterbalance forklift, it will continuously save you money. The electricity you consume in charging it will cost less than your previous diesel or LPG fuel bills. Servicing and repair bills will be lower, and you will lose less production through maintenance-related downtime. Meanwhile, the truck will maintain a good resale value over a long life.
You can expect a Cat electric forklift’s productivity to be higher, thanks to its superiority in qualities such as manoeuvrability and precision. Its controlled performance, along with automated safety aids, will reduce the risk of costly accidents and loss of work time. Meanwhile, its ergonomics and comfort will help minimise sick leave.